Miller, who will lead the search, said he will begin the process on Monday, and that one of the names he will contact is Randy Pfund, who was the general manager of the Miami Heat when it won the 2006 NBA title. Pfund, has not been in the league since he resigned from his Miami post in 2008.

"For us going forward, we really need someone with experience in executing trades or signing free agents," Miller said. "The draft is fun, and we have good solid talent now, but I think the next step is getting the right free agent or making the right trade."

Miller said search firm Spencer Stuart, hired by owner Paul Allen's Vulcan Inc. earlier this month, is still identifying candidates, which he will add to his short list of prospects to replace Pritchard.

In addition, there are Vulcan influences who indicate that Allen is also open to exploring a young, up-and-coming executive, which would mirror the direction taken by Allen's other professional sports team, the NFL's Seattle Seahawks.

Phoenix SunsDavid Griffin

If the search takes a turn to a rising talent, Miller and the Vulcan source said Phoenix executive David Griffin would be considered.

Griffin, 40, is the senior vice president of basketball operations for the Suns, and was essentially the right hand to the recently departed general manager Steve Kerr. Griffin is largely credited with running the Suns' drafts the past four seasons, which has included calculated finds in point guard Goran Dragic (45th pick in 2008) and center Robin Lopez (15th pick in 2008). He is a rags-to-riches success story, starting as a media relations intern with the Suns in 1993 with gradual ascensions over the past 16 years.

Griffin, however, has told the Suns he will not return after his contract expires on June 30. He is also believed to be targeted by the Denver Nuggets.

"There have been some teams that have shown interest and I'm flattered any time my name comes up,'' Griffin said. "Portland achieved so much last season despite all the injuries, and their coaching and leadership is impressive. Anybody would be excited to be involved with that.''

The approach of hiring a No. 2 in a top front office job, instead of a big-name general manager, is consistent with the approach taken recently by Allen in hiring 38-year-old John Schneider to be the Seahawks general manager. Schneider was the director of football operations for Green Bay prior to Seattle.

Time is of the essence in the search, considering teams are eligible to contact free agents beginning July 1. The Blazers will have the $5.85 million mid-level exception to use in free agency. Miller said it is doubtful he will find a replacement by July 1. In the interim, scouts Chad Buchanan and Mike Born will head the basketball decisions, reporting to Miller and coach Nate McMillan.

The Blazers also figure to be active players in the summer trade market, as they possess expiring contracts in Andre Miller and Joel Przybilla, which total more than $14 million, making them attractive to teams hoping to cut payroll.

"We want someone with a proven track record, with a team that has been successful," Miller said. "So that's where we are going to start, because our goal is to get better."